Farm Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER
Position Description

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Reports To: Farm Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Farm Manager, is the lead in agricultural outreach and education efforts of the Blandford Nature Center (BNC) farm. The Assistant Farm Manager will work in collaboration with various team members to support the facilitation of farm-agriculture experiences and programs. The Assistant Farm Manager supervises a mix of seasonal staff, volunteers, and co-supervises farm apprentices with the Farm Manager. Some evenings and weekends are required, especially during the harvest season.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead and implement farm program activities

Operate and manage all facets of the Blandford Farm outreach and educational programming, including, but not limited to:

• Curriculum development

• Facilitate agriculture learning experiences for all ages within the community

• Develop hands-on farming experiences to support harvest and career exploration

• Develop and launch a Farm Apprentice Program

• Develop pathways to expand fresh food access

• Co-create overall BNC Farm strategy with BNC leadership aligned with mission and rooted in USDA project objectives and that of the Kent County Food System Plan.

Farm administration

• Contribute to Farm strategic planning and update tactics as necessary

• Collaborate with other BNC Managers on programming opportunities and implementation

• Collaborate with Marketing and Development Department to prepare farm related marketing materials

• This position is detail-orientated with an ability to logistically plan ahead.

• Seek opportunities to increase farm revenue and community engagement

• Coaching, mentoring, and offering feedback to farm team - staff, apprentices, and volunteers.

Farm technical activities

• Support the farm team to execute the planting, irrigating and harvesting of all crops

• Serve as a lead operator while actively supporting the coordination of our seasonal workforce

• Use crop management data, contributing to informed decision-making and efficient field operations

• Assist in the supervision of crop management including tillage, irrigation, planting, growing, and harvesting

• Monitor crop health throughout the growing season

• Operate farm equipment

• Lead and direct individuals and teams in performing a wide array of agricultural functions across the farm

• Lead seasonal employees during the peak growing season

• Support compliance with all safety measures across the farm

Leadership

• Collaborates with BNC Managers to oversee certain partnerships from organizations focused on supporting diverse and underrepresented communities

• Support fundraising events, seasonal festivals, and tours as needed and/or requested

Qualifications:

Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color are much less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification as described. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please think about the breadth of your life experience when considering the following list:

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent

• 3 years of agricultural experience in mixed vegetable farming using organic practices

• 2 years of experience in operating farm machinery for vegetable production

• 1-2 years of experience in supervising teams of employees and volunteers

• 1-2 years of experience in customer service

• Highly collaborative work style; capable of implementing farm production and education program goals

• Proven ability in goal setting and achieving those within a strategic vision

• Proven ability in daily problem solving using limited resources

• Commitment to continuous learning focused on farm improvement

• Proficiency with Microsoft office and Google suite

• Energetic, flexible and ability to work independently

• Excellent reliability and judgement

• Projects a professional image internally and externally

• Positive role model in attitude and behavior

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, or kneel for extended periods of time

• Ability to lift over 50 pounds

• Ability to navigate uneven terrain

• Ability to work in inclement weather

Core Competencies:

• Organizational: Teamwork, Cultural Responsiveness, Pursuit of High Quality, Effective Communication, Organizational Awareness

• Management Level: Resource Management, Emotional Intelligence, Planning, Assessment & Decision Making, Assess & Evaluate

• Position Specific: Farm and Agriculture Business Knowledge, Farm Management, Community Engagement

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in related field

• 2 years of farm manager experience

• Experience raising farm animals

• Experience with farm education programming

Compensation:

This is a paid, exempt, full-time position working 40+ hours per week. The salary for this position is $49,000 per year. This position qualifies for paid holidays and earned annual paid time off, participation in health, dental and vision insurance, free BNC membership, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA plan with an up to 3% employer match.

To Apply:

Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org/employment-opportunities/ and click on the Job Board to complete your application. When applying for this position, please note:

• Submit resume and cover letter with your application

• Include three (3) professional (not personal) references with your application

Blandford Nature Center’s Mission

To engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.

Blandford Nature Center’s Vision

A thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.

Blandford Nature Center’s Values

• Inclusion: Intentionally welcoming and embracing everyone

• Stewardship: Responsibly using and caring for all our resources

• Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization and community

• Experiential: Providing direct opportunities to enjoy, explore, and learn in nature

• Partnership: Connecting and collaborating to effectively serve our community

• Innovation: Using creativity and curiosity to continuously improve

The policy of the Blandford Nature Center is to ensure that diversity, inclusiveness, and respect are integral parts of our day-to-day management and work. Blandford staff, board and volunteers commit to ensure equal access to Blandford and all of its educational opportunities by all people.

In essence, diversity includes all the characteristics, experiences, and cultural influences that make each of us unique individuals. All individuals are welcome at Blandford Nature Center, and all individuals, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a parent, will be treated with respect and dignity. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, we can continue to value and appreciate the strengths afforded by differences in the styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. We all share the responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion throughout BNC, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a team and leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.